Aron Baynes played more than 15 minutes only once in Australia's six games at the London Olympics. He logged all of eight minutes of court time in the Boomers' quarterfinal loss to Team USA.

Baynes, though, was seen extensively behind closed doors all summer by Spurs assistant coach Brett Brown, who happened to be Australia's national team coach at London 2012. Which should temper anyone's surprise when it emerged this week that San Antonio is closing in on a buyout of Baynes' contract with Slovenian powerhouse Olimpija Ljubljana to sign the 7-footer to a multiyear deal.

Such is the credibility built up by Spurs president R.C. Buford, by contrast, that it was immediately assumed in league and media circles that San Antonio has done it again and unearthed yet another overseas gem. As former Spur Andrew Gaze, referring to his old team, colorfully explained to the Sydney Morning News: "They don't recruit dills."

Dills being Australian for idiots.

Realistically, though, Baynes won't be seriously counted on by San Antonio before next season even if the 26-year-old center -- one of the top rebounders in the Euroleague this season -- arrives from Slovenia relatively soon. According to DraftExpress.com, Baynes will be signed for the next three seasons after this one, with 2014-15 and 2015-16 at the Spurs' option.